All our help and information for 22/10/2020 is now available in a single place on the SCC website https://www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-latest-advice/
This page is refreshed through the day so please check in regularly to keep across developments and news.
Top stories today:
Please remember: Hands, Face, Space
We are continuing to see a rise in positive Covid-19 cases across the county. Somerset rates are still lower than the national, but the rise over the last few weeks is clear and continuing.
We are closely monitoring where our cases are so that we can be quick to respond to any trends, clusters or outbreaks.
We have had positive cases in all parts of the county, therefore we want to stress that we are all in this together, and keeping the virus under control needs all of us to stick to the ‘Hands, Face, Space’ guidance. Anyone can catch Covid-19 regardless of age, gender or geographical location.
Understanding the impact of the pandemic on Somerset businesses
The results of a large county-wide survey about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on local businesses will be used to shape Somerset’s response and economic recovery planning.
Conducted by Somerset’s five local authorities between July 24 and August 21 this year, the survey provides vital intelligence on how more than 1,300 businesses have been coping in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as giving insight into their prospects for the future.
Somerset County Council and the district councils have already put in place a number of services to directly support businesses and individuals affected by Covid-19 including Step Up Somerset, a website which signposts business and individuals for redundancy support, and the Visitor Economy Support Programme, which will help businesses improve their online offer and digital skills.
SCC Chief Executive appointed to top health role
It has been announced today (21 October 2020) that Pat Flaherty, Somerset County Council’s Chief Executive has been appointed as Chair of the shadow Somerset Integrated Care System (ICS) and James Rimmer has been appointed as the System Leader and Senior Responsible Officer. The announcement is a significant milestone in the formal designation of an Integrated Care System for Somerset.
NHS England and NHS Improvement made the appointment following a competitive and open recruitment process.
Pat and James will oversee greater partnership working between the NHS, county and district councils and VCSE partners, leading the way to improved health, care and wellbeing for everyone in Somerset.
In a county where 70,000 people suffer mental health problems at any one time, 2 in 3 adults are overweight or obese and 16% of adults smoke, the NHS, alongside Somerset county and district councils and Public Health England are drawing on the skills and expertise of the voluntary sector and neighbourhood groups on a mission for people in Somerset to live longer, healthier and happier lives.
Grants of £250 to reduce loneliness at Christmas
Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) would like to support community groups that can help to reduce loneliness and spread Christmas cheer through food and festive activities.
Christmas can be a difficult time for some, and this year will be a tough Christmas for many more in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Many people who would normally come together for a community Christmas meal will be unable to this year, due to the coronavirus restrictions, so SCF wants to fund groups who can help to bring festive food – and the spirit of Christmas – to people at home.
Reduce the risks and follow advice
It’s vital everyone acts to reduce their own risk, and the risk to others, from getting ill with coronavirus.
There’s really important information available to help Somerset residents, businesses and visitors take all-important precautions.
Public Health dashboard
Detailed Public Health information dashboards are available on our website www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus just scroll down to ‘Covid-19 dashboard’. These are updated daily.
Travel corridors
The Government added the Greek island of Crete to the Government’s travel corridor list and removed Italy, San Merino and Vatican City State.